We are all about communication being key in a happy, working relationship with your dancer’s studio.   From asking questions to giving your opinion, knowing when, how, and in what way to express concerns or get clarity can make or break yours & your dancer’s team experience.  Today, we want to discuss best practices for dance parents communicating with their studio from a parents perspective.  Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FOROrganizing team emails for reference Communication and questions between parentsBest ways to communicate with your dance team director Boundaries with texting your dance studio staffCommunicating tone When to meet in personScheduling an annual "touch base" with your directorGiving Feedback with an end of season surveyHighlighting the good and positive moments from your dancers seasonTop of the Topic: Top 3 Areas to cover in your end of year surveyEPISODES MENTIONEDPart Two Coming!Ep. 55 - Directors Perspective on Parent to Studio Communication (An interview with Melissa McDaniel, TP Dance Creations)EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

In episode 51 with Bri Zborowski, we got into the reasons why it might be time to leave a dance studio.  But what should we look for in a new studio, and how do we get the answers needed before making such a big decision for your dancer? Today we want to dive into all the things you want to research and consider when choosing a new dance studio. Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FORLocation: How far can you realistically drive Training: Classes offered & levels availableCompetition Program: Number and types of competitions and conventions Safety: Dance studio and staff rulesValues: From the director down to the families, what will be accepted?Price: Does it fit in your budget?Top of the Topic: Top 3 Questions to ask the studio directorEPISODES MENTIONEDEp. 51 - Switching Teams / Leaving Studios: Insights with Bri ZbrorowskiEp. 40 - Safety at Dance Competitions: A Discussion on Protecting Your Child Ep. 8 - Family Values: Aligning the Competition Dance World & Your Family Values  Ep. 15 - Budget: Spending Your Money with IntentionEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Todays special episode interviews industry professional, convention faculty member & owner of Reinforce Dance Experience, internationally known teacher/choreographer, Mr Ben Bigler.  We cover everything from his performance at the Oscars to what went into making Reinforce Dance Experience a convention different from all the rest! Ben also provides great tips dancers and parents won't want to miss! Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FORBen Bigler's start in dance Dancing in the 2024 Oscars with "I'm Just Ken" by Mandy MooreWhy start REINFORCE DANCE EXPERIENCEHow do you choose the teaching facultyCreating class combosWhat do you look for from dancers in the audition class at conventionsTips from Ben for the audition classAdvice for kids that want to become professional dancers Benefits for dancers who attend conventionsTop of the Topic: Top 3 "Pinch Me" moments of Ben Bigler's professional careerEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. NEW DATES AND LOCATIONS ADDED! Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We've all heard the saying “The only thing constant in life is change”.  Studios change, our dancers skill levels and needs change, our family dynamics and location and availability changes and with that can bring a need for the team our dancers dance with to change.  When, why, and how should one leave their current studio & team.  To discuss this important topic, we collected stories from you, our listeners, and brought  in an oh so important guest. Former dance director, choreographer, professional dancer and dance mom AND the owner of Apolla Performance Socks, Bri Zborowski!  Thank you to all our listeners that sent in emails detailing personal experiences leaving  teams and switching studios. We truly appreciate all your insight! WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy is leaving your dance team so difficult and emotional?First Listener LetterDo you tell your current studio you are looking for a new one?Reasons to leave a team When to leave a team, mid Season vs. end of seasonMaking your decision methodically and not just emotionallyAligning family values with Team Values Avoiding "the grass is greener" pitfalls Learning a studio/teams Core Values Top of the Topic: Top 3 listener emailsEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

These days a dancer’s world isn't JUST about dance it seems.  There is a whole other world of opportunity in Ambassadorships for dancewear companies as well as for photographers.  These opportunities can help bring more exposure & content to your dancer, but is it all worth it?  In today’s episode, we want to dive a little deeper into what it all means to be an ambassador.  Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhat is an ambassador?Levels / Tiers within an ambassador programPotential benefits and perksCommitments and RequirementsDrawbacks Safety ConcernsTop of the Topic: Top 3 Ways to Find AmbassadorshipsEPISODES MENTIONEDEpisode 23- Professional Dance: From Studio Dance to NFL Cheerleader with Taylor MulloneyEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

It's been two seasons worth of episodes from our own Dance Moms perspectives, but we aren’t the only show in town! Dance Dads are as equally strapped time, money, and energy wise, when it comes to their involvement in the competitive dance world.  Today, and LIVE from a special convention competition, we are interviewing three Dance Dads: Blake, Fred, and Joel, for their perspectives on all things dance.  Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!QUESTIONS DISCUSSEDWhat were your initial feelings when you found out your daughters wanted to join the competition dance team?As a Dance Dad is the term “crazy dance mom” justified or deserved?Do you help out with your daughters stage hair and makeup?Have you come across any crazy dance dads?What are some ways dads can contribute to the dance team?What is your biggest WTF (eye roll) moment you have had in your dance dad experience thus far?What's the largest challenge you face as a dance dad, that us dance moms might not face?Most rewarding dance dad experience thus far?Share your “dad hacks” on how to survive the weekends.Top of the Topic: Items every dance dad needs to bring to competition weekendsApolla Performance GIVEAWAY WINNER Announced!EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

There is so much to be gained for your child on a dance team,  being a teammate, working together. It’s these lessons that help them prepare for life as an adult and prompt us to give up our weekends and all our money to competitive dance team life. But there is also something to be gained from our dancers learning to "go it alone" at conventions, master classes & intensives without their teams. Today on the podcast, we want to talk about building emotional maturity in our dancers and preparing them for their futures through solo dance experiences.WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy attend dance conventions, masterclasses, or conventions without your team?When is it best to not attend these extra dance experiences?What extra dance events are there and what is best for my dancer?When can we fit these into our existing dance teams schedules? (timing)Personal stories of how going to dance classes has been for our children.Top of the Topic: Top 3 things your dancer gains from GOING IT ALONE Apolla GIVEAWAY - LEAVE A REVIEWEPISODES MENTIONEDEpisode 23- Professional Dance: From Studio Dance to NFL Cheerleader with Taylor MulloneyEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Have you had to switch studios before? When to leave a studio and how to choose the right studio for your competition dancer is a tricky and possibly sticky experience. We plan to discuss this on a future episode and we wanted to reach out to all of you about it.  If you feel you have a story or insights that could be helpful to us and the community please reach out! Your story will help us better understand this topic from multiple points of view and could be shared anonymously on a future episode with your permission. Email us twodancemoms@gmail.com or DM us on instagram @twodancemomspodcast -we hope to hear from you!EMAIL UStwodancemoms@gmail.com RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We are now well into Dance Competition Season!  In this episode we discuss and review the new products we are using so far this season and the trends we have noticed on the stage at dance competitions and conventions in 2024.  WHAT TO LISTEN FORAmira's New Dream Duffel: New rack and her opinion on size small vs mediumCayse's Rowenta Steamer and all the ways she is using itTrending stage hair styles: Pony tail vs BunsAre Jazz shoes back? Less tricks and move movement quality and transitionsHeels & Character shoes within the teen divisionPolular lipstick colorsWest coast nationals moving out of CaliforniaTop of the topic: Top 3 trends in costumes EPISODES MENTIONEDEpisode 24: Bag Ladies: Reviewing Every Bag a Dancer Mom Needs to stay organized at Competition EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!Reinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

In today’s special interview, we were fortunate enough to interview a dance mom with the experience and knowledge from having been a competitive dancer, professional dancer, competition team director, and who then formed a super successful company pulling from all her experiences.  Please welcome Bri Zborowski, owner of Apolla Performance to Two Dance Moms Podcast! LINKS FOR BRIThe Muse BLOG, Apolla on YouTube, Bri Zborowski on Instagram EPISODE SPONSORSReinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Just when you think you’ve mastered what to expect for your dancer’s competitive team, in walks a whole other dance team option to add to your dance season calendar, school teams.School dance teams can provide camaraderie and build friendships, school spirit and add a whole lot of unknowns to your dance parent world.We are bringing in our friend, fellow dance team parent and dance mom extraordinaire, Kathleen, to answer some questions we have about this whole new world of school dance teams. Welcome to Two Dance Moms Podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FORCan kids dance both school and studio teams? What are the biggest differences between school dance team and studio competition team?How does a parent juggle both schedules?Where do you see burnout with dancers doing both in school and studio teams?What are the Pros and Cons of being on a school team?Advice for parents who's dancer is starting a school team for the first time. Top of the Topic: Top 3 reasons to join a school dance teamEPISODE SPONSORSReinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Mini Bonus Episode! Amira has just now watched her first episode of Dance Moms! This casual and fun discussion follows directly after. The two discuss how things in competition dance have changed in 10 years, the shows depiction of studio and competitions life, and the generalized perception they had before becoming parents of competition dancers. RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

One of the many things we spend on during the dance season is stage makeup. So what if there was a way to get the same look for your dancers comp face at a lower cost? Today we wanted to discuss some awesome makeup dupes and where to splurge or save for your dancer’s stage look.  Welcome to two dance moms podcast!WHAT TO LISTEN FORPrimers, Loose Setting Powders, and Setting SpraysCompetition Makeup Suggestions for Full Face ApplicationDaily Wear Makeup, Convention Makeup, and Fun Gift IdeasSkin Care, Cleansers, and More Top of the Topic: Top 5 Makeup Splurges for Competition Makeup New Giveaway! Details on instagram!EPISODE SPONSORSReinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We spend so much time and energy making sure our dancers are where they need to be, feeling good, looking right, and having a great time. But what I’m sure all of us can agree on is that too often we neglect how WE feel, how we look, and how we are able to enjoy these competition and convention weekends.  Today in our parent self care episode, we want to discuss ways to feel our best, so we have the capacity to give our best! WHAT TO LISTEN FORPacking items that help you feel your best over the dance competition weekendPrioritize your own health & wellnessPost dance competition restTop of the Topic: 5 Little things from Home that Make us Feel Good at Competitions EPISODE SPONSORSReinforce Dance Experience Fall 2024 Convention Tour: IGNITE a passion for the arts, FOSTER collaboration, & GIVE BACK to our vibrant community. Apolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

You’ve probably seen him on instagram, sending advice, tips and perspective to dancers and dance parents all over the world.  He's a dance educator, speaker, and adjudicator with a breadth of experience, perspective, encouragement and a willingness to share it. What a treat for us to interview Jason Pickett this week on Two Dance Moms Podcast!LINKS FOR JASONWebsite for Training, Critiques, and More! https://nsadance.comInstagram @heyitspickettNo Starving Artist PodcastReinforce Dance Experience ConventionEPISODE SPONSORSApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Dance competitions can be a perfect storm of scenarios that might raise a parents concerns or anxiety.  Large buildings or theaters with unknown people coming in and out, crowds and kids running here and there, it can all lead to some situations that raise red flags for dance parents.  Talking through these possible scenarios with retired police officer and parent, Joe Marks, can help to ease our  concerns and increase the safety of all our dancers at their next comp.  Welcome to Two Dance Podcast!EPISODE SPONSORSApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Knowing what, when, and where you are going to eat based on your dancer’s schedule can make for a much less stressful, more enjoyable (and cheaper!) experience.  In this episode we share all our tricks and tips for packing and preparing meals at dance competitions. WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy we prefer to pack food rather than eat outGeneral TipsBreakfast IdeasLunch IdeasDinner IdeasSnack IdeasTravel Cooking Tools we have not tried yet Ideas for eating out and team bondingTop of the Topic: Top 5 electric cooking tools for travelApolla Performance GiveawayEPISODE SPONSORSApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

We made you a present! Amira, Cayse, and their two dancers came together to make you all a gift to enjoy on your way to competitions! Listen to hear all about it from them directly!SPOTIFY LINKSTwo Dance Moms Upbeat Playlist Two Dance Moms Mellow Playlist Two Dancers Upbeat Playlist Two Dancers Mellow Playlist RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

It's dance comp season! You will likely be spending a good amount of time in the car traveling to and from competitions, conventions and practices.  But all this time with your dancer isn't wasted.  In this episode, we want to share some ideas to maximize your time in the car this dance season!WHAT TO LISTEN FORWhy this season of driving your kids is specialChecking in with your dancer's concerns and excitementsSchool lifeMental Preparation for CompetitionAwkward Conversation & Parenting Discussions / Family Rules    Making the Car Ride Fun with Music and Audio Books Top of the Topic: Best Family Friendly Audio Books Friday Mini Bonus Episode: Free Gift Revealed!Thursday Apolla Shocks Giveaway Details on InstagramEPISODES REFERENCEDWinning & Loosing: Parenting Through the Emotional Highs and Lows with Mental Performance Coach Chloe MaleskiQ&A: Awkward Topics All Dance Parents Deal WithEPISODE SPONSORSApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. Dream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/

Mini Bonus Episode! Join us for some fun banter on how we packed our Dream Duffel Weekender Bag for a single dance day event! It's easy to over or under pack when you are heading out for just a day. We chat about the different things we each couldn't live without and how a steamer and a binder help us stay calm at these events!RATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/